Applicants whose educational and vocational goals are still evolving may find non-degree study appropriate. Full-time non-degree status is frequently undertaken by students who have not yet been accepted into an ordination process but who believe they have grounds to be confident of acceptance into such a process. In such cases, an M.Div. application has often been submitted, and full-time non-degree status is undertaken as a temporary measure. This is recognized by the Seminary, with an expectation that an application for transfer to the M.Div. program may be forthcoming.

In applying for non-degree study, applicants must submit a statement that sets forth their reasons for wishing to pursue theological study. Persons admitted to the Seminary as non-degree students may complete up to one year of full-time study before making regular application to a degree program of the Seminary. Originally non-ordination-track students in full-time non-degree status who decide to seek ordination may apply for admission to the Master of Divinity program in the ordinary way.

Admission to the Seminary as a non-degree student does not imply or enhance the possibility of admission to a degree program.  Credits earned as a full-time non-degree student can be transferred to the Seminary’s degree programs through application to the Director of Admissions.